Thief Preview

There’s one franchise that most stealth fanatics keep close to their hearts, and it isn’t Metal Gear Solid . It’s Thief ; the original PC classic is revered as one of the best stealth/action titles in the history of gaming, and the sequels were also well received. But we haven’t seen a new entry since Deadly Shadows in 2004, so the upcoming reboot, in the works at Eidos Montreal, is a long time coming. By the time it releases in February of next year, there will have been a decade-long gap between Thief installments…and damnit, that’s just too long.

But at least we can take solace in the fact that it is indeed coming. The iconic Garrett returns and his new playground is “The City,” which is most reminiscent of the engrossing environment created by Arkane Studios for the award-winning Dishonored . Garrett hasn’t become an action hero (thankfully), as the developers have worked hard not to sully the good name of Thief . Stick to the shadows, steal priceless treasure out from under the noses of aristocrats, and execute silently when necessary. The streets of The City are stricken with pestilence and plague, and a tyrannical ruler is making the people suffer.

Therefore, Garrett feels more like Robin Hood, as opposed to a morally bankrupt looter who grabs anything from anyone. The backdrop should be stunningly effective, and the gameplay will center on your ability to remain quiet and unnoticed. There will be a central hub where you can upgrade your gear and sell what you’ve stolen, and you can select from a variety of missions. One thing to remember: This is not an open-world sandbox game, so don’t think it’s like a darker, slower version of Assassin’s Creed . No, we get a linear adventure with a potentially fantastic narrative, which is key in my eyes. The story should be a huge part of this experience.